On June 14, 2014 the ordination of Fr. Frank Kalabat, of the Eastern United States Chaldean Eparchy (Diocese) will be held in Southfield Michigan. Hundreds of thousands of faithful followers across the globe are estimated to watch the live event. The humble priest, born in Kuwait in 1970, and ordained a priest in 1995, was selected by Pope Francis to succeed Bishop Ibrahim to lead the Chaldean faithful in the United Sates.

Born in Iraq, Bishop Ibrahim was named by Pope John Paul II in 1982 to head the American eparchy (diocese) for Chaldeans. It is separate from the Archdiocese of Detroit but still has allegiance to the pope. Known as the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, it once covered the entire U.S.

In 2002, the diocese grew so large in divided into a Western and Eastern half of the U.S. There are 105,000 Catholics who are members of the Eastern diocese, said the Vatican news release. Many of them are in metro Detroit, which has the highest concentration of Chaldeans in the U.S.

Fr. Frank recently served as the pastor of St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church in West Bloomfield. Known for his inspirational and passionate sermons the modest priest is adored by the community. Fr. Frank will be taking on the name of Bishop Francis and plans to continue his mission to bring Christ into the lives of all.

Kalabat will be formally installed among some of Michigan’s most influential religions leaders. In attendance will be Archbishop Allen Vigneron, head of the Archdiocese of Detroit, and numerous other world leaders.

The event is being streamed live on EWTN, Satellite TV, and via the internet at www.stthomascc.org

In 2011, Mart Mariam Chaldean Catholic Church was re-located to 2700 Willow Road in Northbrook, on the corner of Pfingsten and Willow Roads. The sprawling 10 acre landscape has supported the resplendent parish adding an activity hall, small school, and rectory to a picturesque and easily accessible campus.

In September 2012, Fr. Fawaz Kako,C.Ss.R. and myself, along with fellow parishioner Salem Estefan, discussed building a proper grotto (maghara) for the existing Mother Mary statue residing at the front entrance of the church. I welcomed the responsibility and pursuit of such a significant shrine as a gift from the Hikmat Yacu family to our church and all of its faithful parishioners.

The situation in Iran and the challenge issued by this courageous Chaldean Bishop should cause us to pause and think as we enter into these Holy Days. This Bishop is correct; a culture without God has no future. He also asks us the right question, what are we doing with our freedoms? Pope Benedict reminds us that "A missionary Church known for proclaiming her message to all peoples must necessarily work for the freedom of the faith. She desires to transmit the gift of the truth that exists for one and all."

Chaldean Catholic Bishop
Ramzi Garmou

CHESAPEAKE,VA (Catholic Online) - I recently read a report from Aid to the Church in Need, a Catholic Charity under the guidance of the Holy Father with a special mission to "help suffering and persecuted faithful worldwide. It was an interview with the Chaldean Catholic Bishop of Tehran, Ramzi Garmou. He gave the charity a message for Christians of the West, "Be aware of the value of the freedom that you enjoy."

*****"He then challenged Western Christians to "make good use of their freedom," asking, "How do you use it in your countries?" He emphasized that they must not become "the slaves of a culture that seeks to drive God out of people's hearts," but rather that they should use their freedom to "propagate respect for human life." A culture without God leads to "death" and has "no future," he said.

"Christians in Iran only represent a small minority, yet "their vitality does not depend on their numbers but on the quality of their faith and their living witness." In their "day-to-day dialogue" with the Muslims, the Christians in Iran "give authentic witness to the values of the Gospels," he continued.

Turkey, Gavur – Hidden from many is a small town in Turkey of peaceful survivors of Gavur. Defying all odds these humble groups of villagers have survived the holocaust of WWI and continue to rebuild their lives under ongoing persecution and threat.

The town’s name alone makes the point. Gavur is an offensive ethnic slur used by Muslims in Turkey and the Balkans to describe infidels, with particular reference to Christians like Chaldeans, Greeks, Armenians, Bulgarians, Serbs and Assyrians. The term is considered highly offensive and meant to say somebody is inferior, an immoral creature, less than human.

In Turkish history gavur is so deeply rooted in society as an insult. The Ottoman leaders in the First World War were motivating their soldiers by convincing them they were fighting a war against infidels.

Between 1919 and 1923, large number of Christians that lived in Anatolia and surrounding regions were made as scapegoats and targeted for annihilation.

California, USA - Tears were wept, emotions were stirred, and the presence of God was felt for the first time in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Friday, March 25 as Mar Sarhad Yawsip Jammo consecrated the new church in front of a congregation of literally hundreds of faithful who came from as far as Arizona to witness and commemorate the momentous occasion. Among the crowd were our seminarians and sisters, who drove 8 hours on Thursday in order to stand alongside the 70 families who belong to the new parish.

[Please select the bleow link within the article to view photos of the event]

A group of religious refugees are finding a home in East Tennessee. Chaldean Catholics, native to Iraq, are fleeing their home country to avoid persecution.

Many Chaldeans are tortured, even murdered over their religious beliefs. There are an estimated 150,000 Chaldeans in the United States, including over 100 in East Tennessee. On Saturday, Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim of the St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Chaldean Diocese, which covers the Eastern US, said mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Knoxville to help teach local Catholics about the Chaldean's plight.

"Usually they believe that all Iraqis are Muslims, but no, we are Christians even from the beginning, before Islam was there, Christians were there," Bishop Ibrahim said.

Joining him are members of the newly formed organization "Iraqi Christians in Need".

Baghdad, IRAQ – Chaldean Bishop Andreas Abouna of Iraq died this past Tuesday, July 27th, 2010. The 67 year old Bishop suffered from ongoing kidney complications and passed in an Erbil hospital located in northern Iraq. Chaldean Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly, presided at Bishop Abouna’s funeral at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Ankawa, near Erbil.

The ailing Bishop was known for his peaceful calls, optimism, and concern for the youth of Iraq. Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil described him as a pastor who was “always smiling, even in very difficult situations”. Amid his increasing health problems, Bishop Abouna remained in war-torn Baghdad. Without care for his own well-being the Bishop often held youth events and activities. He counseled young Iraqis of all faiths as increasing horrific violence pervaded their daily lives. The bishop also responded to a shortage of priests by serving at the parish of Our Lady of the Assumption, in the one of Iraq’s most dangerous city’s in the Al Mansour district.

Bishop Abouna was born on March 23, 1943 in the village of Bedar, outside the northern Iraqi town of Zakho. At the age of 14, he joined St Peter’s Seminary, then based in the northern city of Mosul, and was ordained a priest for the Chaldean Catholic Church on June 5, 1966.

Michigan, USA –The Chaldean community has seen horrible devastation as Chaldeans are again persecuted for their Christian faith. Nonetheless, Chaldeans remain unwavering and continue marching towards their faith amidst distressing struggles.

“The pain we feel is hard,” says Husam Bodia. “Our people have been ripped apart for believing in Jesus Christ. Our women and children have been thrown to wolves; the men tortured and killed. No matter. We will not turn away from our faith. Thank God our church remains. Our Church is saving our people and our way of life. It is a cold glass of water in the desert.”

Bodia, like many other Chaldeans celebrate the Chaldean Church’s leadership in reaching out to the injured and needy. “Our prayers have been answered. We have more priests and deacons ordained than at any time in our history,” Bodia adds that the most recent ordination being Fr. Fawa Kako.

Kako’s ordination marks another example of the Chaldean Churches in America dramatic and bold steps in serving the community. Chaldean religious leaders across America have been tirelessly working to organize and prepare for the care and comfort of those in need.

Let me begin by sharing my deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to all the wonderful e-mails shared with me by readers of my articles. As I have written to some of you, please join me by sending me your ideas or writing for this wonderful website. It is a blessing that it is available and hopefully other courageous writers will contribute an article about their profession, passions, or points of views.

I am sorry it has taken so long to write more articles as the winding down of another semester, caring for some elderly relatives, and helping my dad find a job, has kept me quite occupied. My family has hit a financial snag when my father was laid off from work. I share this not to endear any readers, that is the furthest from my mind, but to share a personal reflection that has given rise to today’s article. Thankfully dad was able to find another job, but he now has to drive nearly two hours one way.

I mention this to highlight another reason why I love my dad so much; his optimism born from his faith. When I tried to empathize with his ordeal of a long travel and less pay he smiled and said, “brronee (son), I listen to your Ipod (after I showed him how to connect it to the car, he is infatuated with the device and has adopted it as his own), pray an extra rosary, and enjoy your mother’s bag of fresh fruit and vegetables; I am even more blessed now. God always knows better, I just enjoy the ride.”

The English word breakfast, in fact, means the meal that breaks the fast. Fasting is on the mind of many Chaldeans as they enter their second day of a three day Baoutha fast. Fasting is the voluntary avoidance of something that is good. When Chaldean Catholics talk about fasting, they normally mean restricting the food that they eat. Depending on the fast, Chaldeans will abstain between meals and the more disciplined and spiritual Chaldeans will fast from mostly all food.

While fasting takes the form of refraining from eating, it is primarily a spiritual discipline designed to tame the body so that the faithful can concentrate on higher things.

Annually Chaldeans fast for three days in observance of Baoutha; a community promise made to God centuries ago. (Click here to learn more about Baoutha)

This year Community leaders are asking Chaldeans to turn their prayers and alms towards the needy of Iraq. Death tolls continue to skyrocket in Iraq over unsafe conditions and lack of security. “To put it in perspective it is like ten Haiti in Iraq,” says Andrew Ishaya of Turlock, California. “It sure would be nice for to have a $60 million telethon for the war causalities. Until that time, I will use my Baoutha Fast as an appeal for mercy to the innocent men, women, and children of Iraq. And whatever money I can save from my fast I will donate to an Iraqi orphanage my church is helping to support.”

Every Christian has spoken Aramaic (aka, Chaldean, Sourath, etc…), most just don’t know it. Many Chaldeans are often asked what language they speak. Inevitably the discussion will turn to Jesus speaking Aramaic. The bible is littered with Chaldean history and culture, but no clues are more available than the Aramaic language. Language is important to understanding ones culture, community, and faith.

Aramaic has been known since the beginning of human history and was the lingua franca of the early Semitic empires. Today Aramaic and it varying dialects continue to serve Chaldeans with a deeper understanding of their culture and Catholic faith. That meaningful fulfillment is driving a large number of Chaldeans to make the time to strengthen and nurture their roots by learning their native language.

Aramaic was the language used by the conquering Assyrians for administration and communication. Following them, Aramaic was the official language used by Chaldeans and Persian empires, which ruled from India to Ethiopia. During that time, Aramaic was the dominant language, similar to English today. It was used and written upon walls, clay tablets, and on numerous papyri of the region during that period.

Michigan, USA – The Chaldean community welcomes their newest Catholic priest, Fr. Rudy Zoma, 28, of the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle. On Saturday, July 4th, Chaldeans from all over joined the ordination Mass of the new priest. Guests, seminarians, and visiting clergy from across the globe participated in the celebration.

Fr. Rudy is the third American Chaldean priest with five other American born seminarians to soon graduate and join the prestigious rank of priestly vocation among Chaldeans.

“Fr. Rudy is an incredible person,” says Britney Allos. “He really is involved with the younger generation and is a great speaker. He can be serious and he can be funny.” Fr. Rudy Zoma helped establish an English youth bible study at Mother of God Parish and was instrumental in helping the Chaldean parish soccer team repeatedly win the indoor Catholic College classic championship over Ave Maria, St. Mary MTS, and the other college teams. “The amount of guests who arrived to his ordination celebration is a testament to his leadership and community support,” said Anthony Sako, parishioner of Mother of God parish.

CALIFORNIA, USA — Chaldeans fled to the United States to escape Christian persecution by fanatics and anti-Christian zealots. However, Chaldeans in Turlock, California awoke this past weekend to a frightening occurrence of vandalism and Christian hatred.

Surveillance camera recorded three men destroying and then stealing a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in front of the Our Lady of Turlock fountain outside St. Thomas Assyrian-Chaldean Catholic Church.

Parishioner David Yonan, 49, reported the vandalism when he arrived for Sunday morning prayers at 7 a.m. and noticed the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary missing. According to the video’s time stamp the crime occurred Saturday at 11 p.m. in the evening.

"It was devastating," Yonan told reporters. "All the ladies were sitting there crying. It looked like a funeral."

The surveillance video shows a man climbing the steps of the fountain, then throwing the $3,000, Italian-made statue to the ground. Another man comes and takes the damaged statue. All that was left were porcelain shards that once made up the back of the statue's head, Yonan said.

Thiruvananthapuram, INDIA – The impact of Chaldeans on the world are numerous and diverse. Following the lead of St. Thomas, Chaldeans travelled the world sharing the miraculous conversion of the human of the psyche and soul.

Evidence of their impact is being praised in a small church, whose history dates back to 826 AD. The church originally named after Sapor and Prot, twin Chaldean bishops traveling from Syria, who helped Christians establish themselves on the Kerala coast of India in the ninth Century.

What is unique about this small Catholic parish is that it is dedicated to the twin brothers and has been attracting scores of twins, including Hindus, for its annual feast. St. Thomas, a twin himself, helped share the blessings of Christianity throughout the Middle East and Asia, while his brethren St. Peter journeyed to Rome.

This year's June 19 feast day Mass at the Church in Kerala, southern India, was no different. It was attended by 151 twins and two sets of triplets. The parish church is in Kothanallur village and comes under the Palai diocese.

Brisbane, AUSTRALIA – In the capital city of Australia, Brisbane priest Fr. Gerry Hefferan has begun a campaign to help the struggling Chaldeans of war-torn Iraq. Fr. Hefferan recently returned from Kurdistan and has organized a daily prayer roster with parishes from five major dioceses to pray for Chaldeans. The effort has been welcomed by Australian Catholics as parishioners have already filled the roster until November 2009.

The prayer roster is not the only effort Fr. Hefferan is undertaken on behalf of Chaldeans. The Grovely-based priest is also encouraging Catholics to share expertise in education and health with staff at St Peter’s Chaldean Seminary in Iraq which has been relocated from Baghdad to Erbil in the Kurdistan north.

“This is because education and health are two major areas where the Muslim communities recognize Christian expertise,” Fr Hefferan said. “So this is one way to help bring peace to the area – it can help the Christians live more harmoniously with their Muslim neighbors.”

California, USA –The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra (GSO) have been invited to play along with world class Chaldean musicians in the presentation of “Middle East Meets West.” The GSO, under the musical direction of Dr. Randall Tweed, is a seventy-five member orchestral ensemble comprised of music and non-music majors, and talented musicians from the community.

The orchestra, whose musical performance home is El Cajon's own "East County Performing Arts Center" (ECPAC), performs a large variety of concerts from serious classical "arts" performances to lighter "pops" entertainment. Local and nationally reputed performing artists are frequent soloists with the GSO.

The St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Church in El Cajon helped organize the appearance of special guest artist and world class violinisht Luay Yousif. Yousif, born in Baghadad in 1979, has performed with the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. He has lived in the U.S. since 2007.

California, USA – Perhaps the older Chaldeans have trouble grasping the threats we face, but the first and second generation Chaldeans know it all too well, says Ann Bodagh. The Californian community activist says that America’s immune system is under attack. “American values are our country’s immune system. Values that teach us that lying, stealing, killing, and adultery are wrong are being torn apart. Now it is okay to routinely lie, steal worker’s pensions, kill the unborn or elderly, or sleep with anyone. These sorts of behavior are bankrupting America, financially, morally, and socially.”

Bodagh says you can see the social virus make its way to our countries value centers. “They have already taken over our public schools and now they want to close churches and silence religious teachers. America is becoming a socialist communist nation if we don’t fight back. All the Chaldeans that fled from countries that would not let you speak out when the government is doing something wrong better wise up. Otherwise you might as well by another plane ticket and choose your next country to run to.”

Bodagh says California is fighting back. The citizens of the golden state recently voted to cut spending and become more fiscally conservative. Citizens also voted to amend the state constitution to protect marriage between a man and a woman. “California has long been considered the land of fruits and nuts sees the writing on the wall. We are trying to clean-up the moral pollution. Unfortunately, the pollution is also growing in other states.”

I am often asked by other Chaldeans, how am I to know if I am making God happy. My response, “First, we must obey Him. We must obey His laws and act in the way He has commanded. We know this, based on how we behave. We have been told that we are known by the fruit we bear; meaning our behavior and motivation. God calls us to obey Him, not man. How we choose will determine our future.”

Fr. Michael Sisco compliments this message by challenging us to that simple question. Are we to obey God or are we to obey men? Our actions answer this question. Some of us are blinded to how our actions please Jesus or offend him. Our actions are simply leaves to a tree of habit. That tree nourished or poisoned by its roots. What Chaldeans should be most concerned with is the root of their tree and how the roots are nourished and fed to their branches and leaves. The roots of every good Chaldean are nourished by two traits. Traits Fr. Sisco makes clear.

Like Fr. Sisco, I too favor Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est, which means Where charity and love are, God is there. Charity and love is the sun and water for all Chaldean roots. The music Fr. Sisco refers to is breathtaking and included, with transcription, in this article for readers who wish to listen and meditate on how they can strengthen their obedience to God.

Michigan, USA - The Chaldean Church Sports League (CCSL) has reached the playoff point. Five divisions of the Chaldean community's top basketball players compete in a final four showdown for a bid at the championship game. Games begin at 2 o’clock in the afternoon at the Boys and Girls club of Southeast Oakland County in Royal Oak.

The CCSL proves to be one of the Chaldean community’s hottest leagues showcasing top talent from ages 10 – 18 in basketball. The heat is on in the CCSL in all divisions as last year’s returning coaches hope to repeat. However, new rookie coaches in the league are proving to be a bit to handle.

The CCSL final four will be played this Sunday at the Boys and Girls Club of South Oakland County. CCSL organizers invite the entire community to join their family, friends, and fans as they cheer their players on to the championship games.

Michigan, USA - The Chaldean Catholic Diocese of the United States of America held a Christmas party for Chaldeans in Michigan. For many, this was their first Christmas celebration in safety since the war began.

More than 1,200 guests gathered in the prestigious Bella Hall on Sunday. All hoping to bring peace to so many who still worry about their loved ones caught in the turmoil and persecution of Iraqi Christians. Others silently cried as they reflected on the situations of their loved ones trapped in foreign countries as refugees.

Damascus, SYRIA - Sawsan Hussin was worried about her son, Mustafa. The 10-year-old had brought the horror of Iraq with him when the family fled to Syria.

He had nightmares and would cower at the slightest noise, his hands over his ears. Hussin knew he needed help, but as the refugee family's savings ran out, there was no money to pay for professional help.

Then a fellow refugee, a Christian friend who had been resettled in Canada, told Hussin by e-mail that she should take her son to see the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, who run a variety of services for Iraqis in Syria. Hussin, a Muslim, did just that, and the sisters got the boy into therapy.

Hussin praises the work of a particular Good Shepherd nun, who asked to remain anonymous because of the sensitive nature of her work.

gan, USA – St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church in Troy, Michigan continues to host an array of services for refugee assistance. Along with English classes, school tutoring for children, and family support services the church campus will now feature special workshops geared to refugee families.

“The love and help for us at St. Jospeh and all the churches, makes me thank God every second,” says Habiba Yousip through a translator. “If it was not for our Church we would all be dead.”

The workshops provide informative sessions to help refugee arrivals transition to life in the United States. Sessions include knowing your neighbor, taxes and financial planning, keeping your children safe, apartment living, senior housing, food safety, and disaster preparedness.

Baghdad, IRAQ – After ongoing threats, attacks, and kidnappings Chaldean seminarians, students, and staff fled the centuries old Pontifical Babel College in Baghdad. Abandoning the building to safer territory in northern Iraq, the staff had no choice says the dean of the college.

A short while after, U.S. military occupied the building as a “combat outpost” and fortified base of operations for the 4th Cavalry Squadron of the First Mechanized Infantry Division, and then by the 2nd Squadron of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.

The controversial move by the U.S. military fueled Iraqi Christian conspiracies of collaboration between Chaldeans and the United States. Radical Islamic leaders used the building as evidence to further persecute Christians as conspirators. Although Iraqi Christians were innocent in the taking of the building, the appearance was enough to recruit hundreds of terrorists and cause animosity between Iraqi Christians and fanatical foreign Muslims.

The following is the first of a three-part series on the 2008 Elections. In the next two weeks we will deal with issues of Culture and Conscience.

Now that the election is over, we can separate the real Catholics from those who just act the part. Those still reeling from the results of the election can rest assured that they are in good company with the saints.

Those who have drawn a line in blood and made a decision to stand with the culture of death need a serious examination of conscience.

Now look at what we’ve done to ourselves. America has made her “choice” for maximum leader and it is not pretty. In fact, it is one of the most devastating blows to American civilization that we have ever undergone, and I do not speak in hyperbole. Even such a saintly figure as Mother Theresa said that “a nation that kills its children has no future;” likewise, an authority like Fr. Benedict Groeschel recently commented that we have entered into “the beginning of the twilight” of our country—dire words that touch on the reality of electing the most extreme, pro-abortion candidate America has ever had the misfortune of occupying the highest office of our land.

In 2004 a group of United States Bishops, acting on behalf of the USCCB and requesting counsel about the responsibilities of Catholic politicians and voters, received a memo from the office of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI, which stated:

“A Catholic would be guilty of formal cooperation in evil, and so unworthy to present himself for Holy Communion, if he were to deliberately vote for a candidate precisely because of the candidate’s permissive stand on abortion and/or euthanasia." In short, you are not in communion with Christ or His church if you vote for a candidate who supports abortion more.

This declaration raised a number of questions. The following 8 answers might offer greater clarity.

You are My Sunshine, My only Sunshine'….Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling.

They found out that the new baby was going be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sang to his sister in mommy's tummy. He was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her.

The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen. In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five minutes, every three, every minute. But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor.

Would a C-section be required? Would the mother survive? Would the baby live? The entire family and medical staff were on pins and needles. Finally, after a long and exhausting struggle, Michael's little sister was born. But she was in very serious condition.

If you do not have any such doubt, have you any doubt that it is an innocent human being?

If you have no doubt about this either, have you any doubt that the authorities in a civilized society are duty-bound to protect this innocent human being if anyone were to wish to kill it?

If your answer to this last query is negative, that is, if you have no doubt that the authorities in a civilized society would be duty-bound to protect this innocent human being if someone were to wish to kill it, I would suggest—even insist—that there is not a lot more to be said about the issue of abortion in our society. It is wrong, and it cannot—must not—be tolerated.

But you might protest that all of this is too easy. Why, you might inquire, have I not delved into the opinion of philosophers and theologians about the matter? And even worse: Why have I not raised the usual questions about what a "human being" is, what a "person" is, what it means to be "living," and such?

People who write books and articles about abortion always concern themselves with these kinds of things. Even the justices of the Supreme Court who gave us "Roe v. Wade" address them. Why do I neglect philosophers and theologians? Why do I not get into defining "human being," defining "person," defining "living," and the rest?

London, UK – Chaldean scholar, author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Dr. Suha Rassam was named as one of the four Catholic Women of the Year at a reception in London this past week. The founder of the charity Iraqi Christians in Need (ICIN) was honored among an assembly of some of the world’s most notable leaders and in the presence of the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Faustino Munoz.

Dr Rassam is originally from Mosul in northern Iraq. She is a medical doctor and professor of Medicine in the University of Baghdad. Arriving to England in 1990 she worked in London hospitals until her retirement when she took an MA in Eastern Christianity at the school of Oriental and African Studies in the University of London.

Dr. Rassam, author of the book 'Christianity in Iraq' set up ICIN last year with a group of fellow Iraqis, to provide financial and spiritual support to Iraqi Christians both in Iraq and in countries such as Syria and Jordan, where many are now refugees.

Earlier this year, she visited Iraqi refugee families in Syria to assess how best ICIN could help them. In Aleppo, she met with Bishop Antoine Audo of Aleppo of the Chaldean Catholic Church and Bishop Yuhanna Ibrahim of the Syrian Orthodox Church. Since then her impact in helping Iraqi refugee families has been remarkable.

Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver Colorado recently addressed a group gathered in a in Sydney, Australia. The topic was, “Mission Possible: This Double Life Will Self-Destruct.” In a chillingly honest fashion, Archbishop Chaput shares his thoughts on our lives today, as Catholics, and how we ought to realize our need to live wholly and completely for Christ.

We can't live a half-way Christianity. The organizers of tonight's event were right [those who named it ‘Mission Possible: This Double Life Will Self-Destruct’]. Every double life will inevitably self-destruct. The question then becomes: How are we going to live in this world? How can we lead a Christian life in a secular age? We can't really answer that question until we get some things straight about what it means to be a Christian. And that means first getting some things straight about Jesus Christ.

This is another one of the by-products of our secular age: we don't really quite know what to think about Jesus anymore. A few years before he became Pope Benedict XVI, then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger wrote something that is unfortunately very true. He wrote: "Today in broad circles, even among believers, an image has prevailed of a Jesus who demands nothing, never scolds, who accepts everyone and everything, who no longer does anything but affirm us. . . . The figure is transformed from the 'Lord' (a word that is avoided) into a man who is nothing more than the advocate of all men."

We all know people -- friends or family members or both -- who think about Jesus in these terms. It's hard to avoid. Our culture has given Jesus a make-over. We've remade him in the image and likeness of secular compassion. Today He's not the Lord, the Son of God, but more like an enlightened humanist nice guy.

This is, very much, the message in Catholic radio host, author, and speaker Teresa Tomeo’s new book, “Newsflash! My Surprising Journey from Secular Anchor to Media Evangelist.” Teresa did her best to live a half-way Christianity and found the great many ways in which such a life will self-destruct.

Tbilisi, GEORGIA - The world sat on edge as a democratically sovereign country of Georgia was invaded by the Russian military. It has come to be known as the 2008 South Ossetia War. While the country fights for independence, the people of Georgia turn to their faith for solace and prayer of peace. One Chaldean church begins to grow and offer Georgian Chaldeans as well as non-Chaldeans comfort

Tbilisi is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Georgia, lying on the banks of the Kura River. The city is the size of Michigan and with a little more than a million people. Chaldeans are to be found living all over the world, more is being learned about the Chaldeans of Georgia.

The indigenous Iraqi Catholics have been present in Georgia since the middle of the 18th century and currently number around 7,000 members, living in various different cities in this country.

Mosul, IRAQ – “If the condemnation by their Imams of the kidnapping and murder of Chaldean Archbishop Rahho was not enough, what will stop them,” says Eddie Gulli. The Archbishop left big shoes to fill after his disgraceful execution. “Our people have been able to survive because of faith. They know this and that is why they attack our church. They know if you attack our faith you will ultimately kill all of us.”

Gulli’s comments ring true to many Iraqi Christian leaders. The continuous attacks against the passive church seem to only get worse. “It seems the more humble and forgiving the church, the angrier these crazy people become,” Gulli comments while shaking his head dumbfounded.

As soon as a new priest, Fr. Bassman Fatoohey was assigned to replace the Archbishop in Mosul the threats against his life began. "I recently received a letter at the presbytery. Inside was a bullet. I knew at once what it meant," he says: "I was a marked man,” Fr. Fatoohey tells the Catholic Herald.

Michigan, USA – “The man is an inspiration to the whole world. The Pope climbed down the stage to kiss him,” says Gabby Kajy. “I didn’t know much about him until I saw him at the ECRC festival at St. Thomas. I bought all his CD’s which he signed with his feet. He was incredible and I have been a fan ever since.”

Kajy is talking about the famous Tony Melendez. It was on September 15, 1987, he played his guitar for Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles. Born without arms, he performed a touching song entitled Never Be The Same. When the Pope approached him from the stage to kiss him in appreciation, it seemed to reflect the sentiments of the entire country.

Never Be the Same was an appropriate song Melendez sang for the Holy Father, for those few moments changed Tony Melendez' life and brought his unrestrained abilities as a guitarist into national attention. It seems to be a fitting place for a man who has spent his life putting personal confidence above his handicap. The international marvel has been featured on Life On A Rock, The 700 Club, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, Home Life Television, and Entertainment Tonight to name just a few of his countless television appearances.

Melendez is being called back to an encore presentation for the ECRC festival to be held at St. Joseph Chaldean Church campus in Troy this Friday, September 26. The concert is open to the public and tickets are being subsidized to the bargain of only $10 for a two-day concert pass.

Michigan, USA – January of 2009 begins the battles as returning basketball champions prepare to defend their titles. The Chaldean Church Sports League (CCSL) has shocked the Chaldean community by bringing together the community’s best and most talented basketball athletes together under one roof.

Defending champions Mar Addai Healers of Oak Park in the boys middle school division, St. Thomas Twin Tigers of West Bloomfield in the girls high school division, and Mother of God Guardian Angels in the high school boys division claim they will once again repeat their championship win.

Michigan, USA – “The Chaldean Backgammon Open brings out the best players in Michigan,” says Joe Yasso. “If anyone thinks they are good in backgammon they can prove it once and for all.”

The Chaldean Church Sports League announces their 2008 Fall Game seasons with a rematch of the community’s best players in three Chaldean dominant games. Chaldeans will compete for both individual and team points in table tennis, chess, and backgammon.

To learn more about the competition and how to register click the READ MORE button below.

Michigan, USA - Chaldean Church Sports League concludes the summer soccer season with Mar Addai Healers facing St. Joseph Protectors. The two teams have faced one another in the regular season with intense competition. On Saturday, August 23, 2008 the two teams prepared for soccer battle at the Southfield Michigan Municipal Sports Complex.

CCSL sports commentators were refusing to share with fans which team was the clear favorite. Although Mar Addai showed a slight edge as a favorite, commentators were concerned over their lack of discipline. “The team is intense. They take soccer very seriously. However, their passion spillith over and gets them into trouble,” says CCSL fan Jason Gabara. “If they can keep their play under control they would be picked as the clear favorite.”

On the other side of the field, wearing blood red, St. Joseph Protectors have sports fans concerned as well. Gabara says, “St. Joseph has a handful of incredible players. The leagues best, however, they can not carry the team alone. The team is a bit unbalanced, but if the younger players step-up, St. Joseph is unstoppable.”

Michgan, USA – Top Chaldean church teams from Michigan compete for the 2008 championship trophy. Chaldean Church Sports League hosts the 2008 Chaldean Volleyball Playoffs & Championships on Saturday, September 6th, 2008 at the Southfield Civic Center Sports Complex beginning at 10 am. Admission is free and open to the public.

Michigan, USA - St. George Camp Chaldean in Brighton, Michigan invites the Chaldean faithful community to freely join their friends and family for a two-day camping celebration of the Feast of The Assumption of our Blessed Virgin Mary. The celebration begins on Wednesday, August 13 and concludes on Thursday, August 14.

As one big family the community comes together to celebrate this inspirational event. The camp features a tent-city for guests to pitch a tent, boating, scenic nature trails, DJ music, food, and most importantly on Thursday, a Mass led by His Excellency Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim. Mass begins at 6 p.m. sharp. Prior to Mass, church choirs will lead pilgrims in prayer songs. After Mass a candle light prayer precession march will occur.

Overnight Guests are reminded to bring tents, lawn chairs, barbeque grills, towels, and other camping related items. Over 100 picnic tables are available, indoor bathrooms, warm showers, and hot food will be available for campers.

Chaldean Youth Day (CYD-2008) is Sunday, August 17! Hundreds of Chaldean young adults will converge on Camp Chaldean for a day of fun, food, and festivities. Hang-out. Chill. Picnic. Play. This event is free for those 35 and under. Anyone over 35 the cost is $45,000 per person.

This is a non-alcoholic camp. Bring your own lawn chairs. Bring food coolers if you like. Food and beverages will be available. Games. Competitions. Prizes. Boat Races. Water-balloon wars. Tug-A-war. Sports. Bring your own BALLS. Best of all bring some biceps, brains, and bounce.

The event is sponsored by the St. George Chaldean Camp Council in partnership with Chaldean youth groups, which include but are not limited to, the Chaldean Church Sports League, Chaldean Teens Coming Together, Chaldean Youth Bible Study, Chaldean Loving Christ, Jesus Christ University, Chaldean American Professionals, Chaldean Football League, Chaldean Basketball League, Chaldean Hockey League, Chaldean American Student Association, and Chaldean Church Youth Choirs.

You have been told! Someone post this on MySpace, Facebook, and whatever other social network you freaks got going!

Michigan, USA – Over 300 Chaldean athletes head to the grassy fields and sandy pits as the Chaldean Church Sports League of Michigan Tri-Sport season gets underway. In the high school flag football division returning champs St. Thomas Twin Tigers hope to repeat. However, St. Joseph Protectors new all-star draft picks round out their passing and defensive game which may pose a challenge for the Twin Tigers.

In the ladies high school volleyball, defending champions Mother of God Guardian Angels look to take on St. Thomas once more in the championship finals. Both teams had such a large turn-out that they fielded two teams for competition.

In high school soccer, Mar Addai Healers remain undefeated. Hoping to best Mar Addai’s powerful team, St. George and St. Joseph combined their teams as did Mother of God and St. Thomas. Nonetheless, Mar Addai remains undefeated and is considered the early favorite to take the high school soccer championship finals.

[To see photos and video highlights of the CCSL, you must be a registered user of www.CHALDEAN.org and you must login]

Michigan, USA – Chaldeans don’t always have much time to spare. Long hours at work, family and cultural responsibilities, and trying to make ends meet leaves many Chaldeans hungry for safe and entertaining events for the entire family.

The Chaldean churches have had a long tradition in hosting family gatherings. The opportunity brings respectful families together in faith and fellowship and helps raise funds to keep the church ministry strong.

The events are always a community affair organized and managed by church volunteers and supported by community donors. Although increasing competition of commercial festivals and state fairs targeting Chaldeans are on the rise, Chaldean church hosted events remain the number one place for Chaldean families.

[To view the photos and video of the 2008 St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church Festival please log-in]

Your church and community needs help. This is a community call for volunteers for the 2nd Annual Mother of God Church Chaldean Music Festival. The festival will be held on Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24 at St. George Camp Chaldean located on 1391 Kellogg Road, Brighton, MI 48114.

The two day carnival event will feature carnival games, 9 live bands, food, vendor and information booths, contests, and more. Volunteers that are 18 years of age and older are needed to make this event a success. Community volunteers will receive room accommodations, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and volunteer shirts.

We need help with assisting crowds, controlling the rides, working the carnival tents, parking, security, serving food, donating items to the prize and give-away table, and keeping the area clean.

After a long bitter winter, spring finally begins to peek into Michigan. In anticipation of the warmer temperature, I drew up my 24-point list of things to do, many of which involve outside activities; garage clean up, light home renovations, etc. I am positive that many of us who are avid gardeners have probably started exercising their favorite hobby.

Indeed, when I stood in the middle of my garden, I could count many things that needed attention. Things such as trimming trees, picking up dead leaves, spraying fertilizer, and the most important of all, grass cutting. That same day I was listening to my favorite radio station, the Catholic Radio, and the commentator was comparing our spirits to a garden. That comment left a deep impression in me, and I started thinking to myself: If we spend so much time, money and energy cleaning up and beautifying our gardens every year, do we lend the same attention and spend the same amount of time and energy cleaning up our hearts and strengthening our faith and spirits?

"Sometimes healthy competition for what we want turns into a problematic desire to have something merely because a rival already has it. This is not just based on what we want, but also on what we don’t want our perceived rival to have,” writes author, Susan, Barash in her book “Tripping the Prom Queen: The truth about Women and Rivalry.”

Seventy percent of the five hundred women interviewed said they were familiar with the concept Barash writes about. Barash is a professor of gender studies at Marymount Manhattan College in New York and became fascinated by women's relationship. Can sisters, mothers and best friends be jealous and supportive at the same time? In fact she found that rivalry and envy often pervades female relationships.

The women were interviewed on female competition. The study revealed that many women are competitively mean. In her book, Barash outlines why women compete with each other differently than men do with other men and why women often want to sabotage powerful female rivals.

Sydney, AUSTRALIA – Australian Chaldeans in Sydney have been wildly celebrating World Youth Day. The excitement, exhilaration, and energy has been intoxicating says Joshua Shami, a Chaldean pilgrim from Europe. Chaldean youth from around the world have gathered in Sydney in celebration of World Youth Day.

“We continue to pray for our Chaldean brothers and sisters stuck in Iraq,” says Shami. For many Chaldeans in Austrialia, the joy of welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the World Youth Day celebration was dampened by the absence of a Chaldean Catholic delegation from Iraq. “For months people have been working on getting the Iraqi Delegation to Sydney, but it is one thing after another stopping them.”

Michigan, USA - A handful of Chaldean-American Wayne State University (WSU) students were recently able to do something that not a handful of Catholic churches could do: attain approval of 24-hour Adoration sessions, something many churches overall, have not yet had.

Rasha Kashat, 20, a pre-medical student at WSU, is one of the students that made efforts to allow one 24-hour Adoration session to be held at St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church per week.

Kashat said that "Adoration" is a meaningful gathering of individuals at the church to encourage religious practices, as well as have a great time while committing to such practices.

Catholic News Agency reports that the Australian Embassy in Amman, Jordan has issued 27 visas which will allow some young Iraqis to participate in World Youth Day. Initially 170 Chaldeans applied for Visas to participate in the largest gathering of world youth Christians in history. True to their faith, the Chaldeans still expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Australian government for allowing 27 delegates.

“I would like to thank the Australian government for everything they have been able to do and also the Australian embassy to the Holy See which has contributed to this positive ending,” Father Philip Najim, Chaldean Prosecutor to the Holy See, said. “Many in Iraq were waiting for this. It is a symbolic number of visas but our youngsters will be in Sydney too and that’s what counts.”

The Catholic News Agency reports that the Australian government has denied visas to dozens of Chaldean World Youth Day pilgrims from Iraq. Australian officials say they are concerned that participants will not return home and instead will seek asylum in Australia. One Chaldean Catholic priest called the decision “a slap at young people who wanted to go to witness to the faith and the joy of the church’s living in Iraq despite sufferings.”

Initially the Australian government denied visas for nearly 170 pilgrims, allowing only ten visas to aspiring World Youth Day participants, the SIR News Agency says. According to the website Baghdadhope, there are now only about 30 total visas available that will be granted “in extremis.”

Father Rayan P. Atto, parish priest of Mar Qardagh Church in Erbil, told SIR News Agency that the concerns about asylum seekers were unfounded, arguing that, “for young Christian Iraqis, taking part in the WYD in Sydney was not a way to leave their country.”

This article is the third in a seven series discussion on the attributes of a Chaldean apostle. A Chaldean apostle is patient and perseverant. They are willing to accept in their mind and heart that they will be required to wait and endure for His sake. By having such faith the Chaldean apostle’s behavior will naturally change and begin to better reflect the Kingdom of God. Therefore, this series will examine the attributes of behavior that demonstrate the grace of our Lord and our choice to be a follower of Christ.

The term "patience" has several meanings in the dictionary. It can mean the bearing of pain or trials calmly and without complaint; not being hasty or impetuous; or being steadfast despite opposition or adversity and showing forbearance under provocation or strain.

Most think of patience as something benign, like not being hasty or impetuous. However, unlike the popular definition of patience, the Holy Bible teaches us that pain, trials, adversity, and strain are also involved (James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 2:20, Romans 5:3-4, 12:12). In the Bible, perseverance is often mentioned in the same verse as patience (Matthew 24:13, Romans 5:3-4, Galatians 6:9, Hebrews 10:23, 10:36, James 1:2-4). Why do these two traits go hand in hand? What is the difference between them?

California, USA - The Chaldean Diocese of the American West (St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Diocese for Chaldeans and Assyrians) celebrated the 40th anniversary ordination of Msgr. Sabri. The event was hosted by St. Michaels Parish.

Michigan, USA - Protecting God's Children Workshop (PGC) is a professional development workshop organized by the Chaldean Diocese of Michigan. The PGC workshop covers diocese wide policies and procedures for all church volunteers. All church volunteers are required to attend the PGC professional development workshop.

Mother of God Church will be offering the workshop on Friday, June 27, 2008. The workshop begins at 6:30 PM and will end at 9:30 PM.

To register for the event please CLICK HERE and complete the online form. You must be a registered user of this website in order to complete the online form. Once logged into the site, please click on the blue pencil (lower right) for the online form to appear.

Michigan, USA - It is no coincidence that nearly 1,000 fathers had to lose their life 100 years ago for the right message to be heard. That message is that we love our fathers, but how and why did they lose their lives. Most of those that died were Italian immigrants, writes Fr. Eugene Francis Briggs (1908-2006), a Catholic priest and a Fitchburg native who dedicated much of his life to the study of the Monongah disaster. A tragedy by any standards, whereby on December 6, 1907, there was a mining disaster at the Consolidated Coal Company in Monongah, West Virgina that claimed their lives. It is still considered the worst mining disaster ever.

In the spirit of those fathers that the First Father’s Day was born of the father’s role of provider and the risk he takes as a laborer throughout the country, being a primary wage earner. “The same holds true to for our Chaldean fathers,” says Tom Issa, a father of three. “Our Chaldean fathers literally climbed mountains and crossed oceans to provide and protect their family.”

Issa adds that Chaldean fathers continue to take incredible risks providing for their families. “They work very long hours in some of the most horrible conditions, trapped in bullet proof and risking their lives. It is good that we acknowledge, celebrate, and honor their sacrifice to our family and community.” Issa speaks of the inaugural “Honor Thy Father” dinner hosted by Mother of God Church in Southfield, Michigan. The dinner brought over 400 Chaldeans out for a night of dinner, entertainment, and applause for Chaldean fathers.

{Must be a registered member of www.chaldean.org to view the photos of the 2008 Father / Son Celebration Dinner}

Michigan, USA - Mother’s Day began as a day to unite parents to improve the world for future generations. The bond between mother and daughter is especially strong in the Chaldean community. Chaldean mother and daughters are finding a very unique blend of mother-daughter moments.

“I love mother’s day.” Says Athra Yakoo, a mother of three Chaldean young ladies and two teenage girls. “I am so blessed with my daughters. They are educated, respectful, and religious. They give our family a very good reputation and make us very happy.”

The challenges Chaldean families face in Europe and America remain a top priority for Chaldean churches. Chaldean churches have focused on offering compelling sermons, lectures, and community wide events to strengthen and warn Chaldean families of growing cultural dangers in their host countries tearing at the family. Joining the call is the Ladies Social Group of Our Lady of Chaldean Cathedral, Mother of God Church in Southfield, Michigan. The group hosts an annual dinner to celebrate the loving bond between mother and daughter as well as organizes prayer breakfasts and outings for mothers and their daughters.

This year the group held their 2008 Mother / Daughter Fashion Show Gala bringing nearly 700 women together to celebrate the importance of motherhood. The feature rich event included dinner, three fashion shows, live entertainment, a crowd of vendors, silent auction, raffle prizes, and gifts.

{Must be a registered member of www.chaldean.org to view the photos of the 2008 Mother / Daughter Fashion Show Gala}

London, UK - The Lord's Prayer will be read in Aramaic at a special Mass celebrated by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor at Westminster Cathedral next week in support of Iraqi Christians.

At a time when many of Iraq’s Christians have been forced to flee the volatile situation in their homeland, the Mass at 5:30pm on June 16 will offer an opportunity for bishops and worshippers to come together and stand in solidarity with the country’s Christian community.

In addition to the Lord’s Prayer being read in Aramaic – the language closest to Christ’s dialect – the Gospel will be sung in Arabic. The Mass will also allow people to pray for peace in Iraq and also for Iraqi communities here in England and Wales.

Michigan, USA – The Chaldean Community Workshop and Mother of God Church hold a special session on Emergency Disaster Preparation for the Chaldean community. The event takes place this Wednesday, May 21st, 2008 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the church hall located on Berg Rd., just east of Telegraph and north of ten mile. The event is free to the entire community and the workshop will be taught in English, Arabic, and Aramaic.

Michigan State Police along with Southfield Emergency Management will be conducting the workshop and offering Emergency Disaster Kits (EDK).

“In case of emergency, Chaldeans need to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your family and property,” says Abraham Haddad, Chaldean Community Workshop organizer. “Disaster can strike without warning forcing Chaldean families to evacuate their business, neighborhood or in some cases confine us to our home. Preparing in advance by learning what hazards may affect our community and learning about how to deal with these hazards is an important part of emergency preparedness.”

The course will cover the basics and offer Chaldeans an opportunity to share cultural concerns as it relates to emergency preparation.

For those unable to attend the Chaldean Community Workshop offers the following information:

Baghdad, IRAQ – "Violence should not call for more violence! We are on the side of justice, not the death penalty,” Chaldean Bishop Warduni affirmed from Iraq. "If he were still alive, Archbishop Rahho himself would not permit that someone would die for him.”

Contentions rise high as Chaldeans call on the Iraqi government to spare the life of the man convicted of killing the Archbishop on February, 29 outside of a church. The Archbishop was leading the Way of the Cross during Lent when Ahmad Ali Ahmad, a ilitant from al-Qaida, led a group to abduct the Archibishop and kill his sub deacons.

Chaldean Auxiliary Bishop Shlemon Warduni of Baghdad said, "Let us recall that the principles that have always inspired the Church are forgiveness and reconciliation."

Michigan, USA – The season anticipated match-up of the best Chaldean basketball players under the age of eighteen squared off in Royal Oak, Michigan. An intense ten weeks of competition, stunning play, and exciting action have led to the Chaldean Basketball final four in Michigan. Yesterday’s playoff matches narrows the teams in Chaldean Church Sports League 2008 Basketball Championships down to the best two teams in the Chaldean Diocese located in Michigan. The Chaldean Catholic diocese covers the eastern United States and brought together the best Chaldean basketball talent under the age of eighteen.

Michigan, USA - Hakim Denha, Joseph Haji, Namil Karrumi, Imad Katchel, and Amir Jarjosa were honored for their faithful dedication and service to the Chaldean people. The newly ordained men stood before the public and proclaimed their commitment to the church and community. An overflowing crowd with standing room only stood in reverence as the Bishop of the Chaldean Diocese in Michigan presided over the ordination of the deacons. Alongside the faithful leaders the diocese also inducted new Eucharistic ministers.

Throughout the history of the Catholic Church, deacons have played a vital role in serving the needs of the community.

Michigan, USA - Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church in Southfield, Michigan holds there 3rd annual Mother & Daughter Fashion Show Dinner Extravaganza. “We want to celebrate the value and bond between mothers and daughters,” says Nadira Kannu, event chairwoman and Mother of God parish council member. “All communities and cultures rest in the hands of mothers and daughters. They sacrifice so much for their family and community. They guide us and give us hope. It is only fitting that we acknowledge how much we love them.”

Organizers of the event are also seeking nominations for the "Mother of the Year" essay contest. Their theme this year is "Mama, No One Can Take Your Place". Writers can nominate any special ‘mother’ in their life including their own mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, niece or a friend.

Michigan, USA - “Despite bone-chilling temperatures and biting winds, Chaldeans turned out to pray and help young mothers reconsider killing their baby,” says Chaldeans-4-Life president Ban Gorges of Mar Addai Chaldean Catholic Church in Oak Park. “Big business makes them believe that murder is a choice and scares them with doom, gloom, and hopelessness. We are there to say there is hope, there is love, and there is an alternative to killing for convenience.”

Hope is what the Chaldean vigil group offered to mothers and single women pressured to end the life of their unborn child. Gorges led a group of Chaldeans to join the 40 Days for Life campaign holding prayer vigils for 40 days straight, 24 hours per day, out in front of the abortuary located in Southfield, Michigan.

Mousul, IRAQ- Pope Benedict made an emotional appeal for an end to violence and massacres in Iraq, as he recalled during Palm Sunday services the death of a kidnapped Chaldean Catholic archbishop. "His beautiful testimony of faith to Christ, the Church and his people that he did not want to abandon despite numerous threats, pushes me to raise a strong and sorrowful cry: enough with the massacres, enough with the violence, enough with hatred in Iraq!" he said.

Speaking to thousands of pilgrims clutching palm fronds and olive branches -- symbols of peace -- in St. Peter's Square, the Pope called on Iraqis to "raise their heads" and rebuild their nation with reconciliation, forgiveness and justice.

Rahho, 65, was kidnapped during a shootout in which three of his companions were killed, as he returned home after mass in Mosul on February 29. The killers later telephoned church authorities on Thursday to announce where the archbishop’s body could be found. The body of the Bishop was recovered from a shallow grave within a garbage dump area further inflaming passions

Along with the Pope the Chaldean Patriarch urged Iraq to resolve peace in their hearts. Hundreds gathered at the church in the village of Kramleis, just north of Mosul, to memorialize the highest-ranking Christian cleric to be targeted by Islamic fanatics since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq five years ago.

Mosul, Iraq - Gunmen have kidnapped the archbishop of the Chaldean Catholic Church in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul and murdered three of his aides. The 65 year old archbishop was ordained in 2001. Archibishop Paulos Faraj Rahho was ambushed as he left a church in the eastern al-Nour district, immediately after he finished celebrating the rite of the Via Crucis at a local church and shared consoling words of hope and peace.

Eyewitnesses said that a group of armed men attacked Archbishop Rahho’s vehicle. The gunmen opened fire on the car, killing the three aides, before kidnapping the archbishop. There is no further information of Rahho's whereabouts or his condition. An aide to Iraq's Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, leader of the church, said he did not know who was behind the kidnapping of the 65-year-old archbishop.

Since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, Iraqi Christians have been targeted by Islamic extremists who label them "crusaders" loyal to U.S. troops. Fanatic Muslims are using this strategy in order to recruit other extremists, raise terror funds, and force Christians to flee the country forfeiting their homes and property to extremists. Property is then sold or used to fund insurgency strikes against coalition forces.

Michigan, USA - The Chaldean Church Sports League brings over nearly five hundred Chaldean athletes, fans, and organizers to the Royal Oak Gym each week. Overcoming harsh sleet, snow, or ice the gym remains packed with players and supporters. “I am so happy our church is doing this. I look forward Sunday and can’t wait to see my team at church, says Maroki of St. Joseph Chaldean Church.

Concluding week four and five of the thirteen week league, the teams are starting to find their sweet spots said Brian Alyas. “Watching my brother play is nice. It is good to see the team coming together.” Team jitters seem to be falling to the wayside as players begin to be more consistent on the court. Coach Derrick Dabbish of the St. George Dragon Slayers attributes teamwork to his team’s success. “They are playing excellent. Great hustle, excellent focus, and listening to the plays called by the coaches very well.”

George Kizy, St. Joseph’s Middle School Coach says, “I was proud of my guys they gave a valiant effort. St Thomas Team 2 had a fast team. We knew that from playing them just two weeks ago.” St. Joseph’s Dominic Jemmoa came through with many key shots that kept the game close. Julian Yacoub helped with impressive game rebounding and Savastian Jarbo defended marvelously.

Kirkuk, IRAQ - Chaldean Archbishop Sako has been elected interim chairman of the Iraqi Council of Christians. A newly formed body that works to broker peace in Iraq and help communicate the importance of Christians in the Middle East. The Archbishop explains that the goal is to create a single unit to engage with the authorities and Christians’ Muslim brothers, but not to be a political party.

The idea developed after a series of deadly coordinated attacks against Christian early this year across Iraq. Iraqi Christians remain at risk and weakened by persecution and continual harassment. Mass emigration and without proper political representation the indigenous people of Iraq are fast faltering. Working at first at the local level the Christian Council is hoping to create a unified voice that will work to promote peace and solidarity among all Iraqis.

Chaldeans in Europe and America have long appreciated the Universal Church customs and Rites. The unique cultural display of each community incorporated around the teachings brought forth for two thousand years by the successive apostle of Christ.

Visitors to different Catholic churches around the world are amazed at the beauty and unique presentation of the liturgy. Chaldeans living outside their homeland have long been curious of the Western Rite customs and traditions.

For those unfamiliar with the Catholic faith a collection of frequently asked questions help reveal the beauty and meaning of the Lenten celebration.

This article is the second in a seven series discussion on the attributes of a Chaldean apostle. A Chaldean apostle is a vigilant and faithful servant willing to accept in their mind and heart that Jesus is their God and savior. By having such faith the Chaldean apostle’s behavior will naturally change and begin to better reflect the Kingdom of God. Therefore, this series will examine the attributes of behavior that demonstrate the grace of our Lord and our choice to be a follower of Christ.

In today’s world being humble can be difficult. We are tempted and trained to believe that we are the center of the universe. Evil forces promote the “self” as God, replacing the one true God. We become vulnerable and lost; once we believe we are meant to be worshiped by other men or women. We beg for attention and passionately desire to be loved, because we don’t know that God loves us. Our actions reveal our cry for attention.

When I was young I wore the latest jeans, twisted my cap, and in every photo had strikingly posed like the latest model or rapper by “throwing up fingers.” I wanted to be admired. I wanted to be loved. I was so lost, until I learned that we are loved only when we love. To love I had to first learn to be humble, then I had to learn to give.

Michgian, USA - Mother of God Chaldean Catholic church invites the Chaldean community to join the 40 Days for Life Campaign. The event kick’s-off today at 7:00 PM at the Church of Transfiguration (Formerly St. Michael) located on 25225 Code Road, Southfield, MI 48033.

During the season of Lent leading up to the celebration of Christ's resurrection, from February 6 - March 16, 2008, our community will be uniting with 58 other cities in 31 states for a large simultaneous pro-life mobilization – the nationwide 40 Days for Life campaign. People of faith across America are praying that this effort will mark the beginning of the end of abortion.

The event will feature Associate Priest of Priests for Life Fr. Peter West and Michelle Yax, Director of the Mother and Unborn Baby Care Center.

40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign that has generated measurable lifesaving results in more than 80 cities where it has been implemented. Some locations have reported as much as a 28% drop in local abortion numbers and hundreds of new people getting involved in local lifesaving ministry efforts.

Michigan, USA - Below zero cold weather in Royal Oak, Michigan, could not stop over 500 Chaldeans as they gathered to jump-off the Chaldean Church Sports League 2008 indoor basketball season. Six Chaldean churches in Michigan, each hosting three divisions of players, came together to prove their basketball skills.

Hundreds of friends and family members cheered their teams on to victory as athletes sprinted down court, jammed jumpers, and popped threes from the outside. The league is made-up of women 15-18, boys 11-14, and men 15-18 from the six Chaldean churches of southeast Michigan.

“It was jammed packed! I never saw so many Chaldeans in one place,” says Kenny Bajoka excitedly. “You couldn’t move. It was loud and exciting. The women were great and the battle between the Twin Tigers and Dragon Slayers was deep. I am real happy I came to watch.”

The women’s 15-18 division did provide a show for the fans. Many underestimated the skill and focus of the Mar Addai Healers and the St. Joseph Protectors. The see-saw competition kept fans jumping to their feet screaming for their teams. In the end, the one point difference placed the lady Healers into the win column.

(Registration on www.CHALDEAN.org is free and required to view the nearly 250 photos of the CCSL’s Basketball League Game 1 matches.)

Rena Oram considers herself a modern day abolitionist. “The stain on world history to enslave other humans is deplorable. It took abolitionist to convince the world that every human life has value. Today, we are called ‘aborlitionists.’ We are modern day abolitionists that work to convince the world that babies in the womb also have the right of life and freedom.”

Oram helped organize a student group that traveled to Washing D.C. for the annual March for Life. The Chaldean activist was joined by hundreds of thousands of other young adults from across the country.

The Annual March for Life draws attention to the millions killed due to the Supreme Court’s 1973 decision to legalize abortion in the case of Roe v. Wade. Although nearly half a million gathered to protest the effects of the Court’s decision on the rights of the unborn, the march receive little coverage in mainstream media.

“The media won’t cover our march because they foolishly believe this is a privacy or woman’s choice issue. It is not. A baby is a natural consequence to a choice that has already been made. It drives me crazy that people just won’t accept personal responsibility for their behavior,” says Oram.

Michigan has been a hot-bed in the ongoing struggle to end infanticide. Recently Students for Life of America secretly captured a speech by abortion provider Dr. Alberto Hodari on Wayne State University’s campus where the doctor claims doctors of have a license to lie to a patient to perform the necessary procedures.

A group of Chaldeans, well established in their careers, were talking at a wedding and debating to visit their old priest, who they heard had recently retired. The cold weather and three hour drive to the rectory caused a debate. “Not enough time,” “Too busy with work,” “He may not remember us or may be too tired or sick to see us,” were some of the excuses. Until one of them, wisely appealing to his friends vanity and selfishness said, “Are you happy in life?” Perhaps this visit will do more for us than him. Plus, we can drive together, catch-up during the ride, and save on gas. Fortunately we are all successful enough to take the time off.”

The others startled over the comment about concerns with gas cost and able to take time off, quickly objected. “It is not about the gas or money,” one stammered.

Chaldeans love a good wedding. Even more, Chaldeans love a great marriage. Sure: a pick of the dress, a smile to the camera, the walk down the aisle, the prayers of matrimony, and the ever-deep line of “I do.”

Alongside dawning smiling faces are friends, family, and loved ones. The night hours tuned to the rhythm of music and beat of the feet as the celebration of love and family starts a new chapter. The couple now joined in Holy Matrimony awaits the joys of love.

All wrapped in hope to successfully leap over the obstacles that will undoubtedly emerge. But, of course, that is only the beginning of the story; particularly for Chaldeans in America and parts of Europe.

Michigan, USA - The cold winter months in Michigan may keep some Chaldeans indoor and lazily lounging around. That is not the case for over two hundred Chaldeans that gathered at the Salter Gymnasium in Royal Oak, Michigan. The large group of Chaldean men and women came out in large numbers for the first of three open sessions for the Chaldean under 18 open basketball tournament.

The tournament organized and hosted by the Chaldean Church Sports League (CCSL) of Michigan returns after financing a very successful flag football and volleyball youth tournament. This year the CCSL brings the Chaldean community both boys and girls basketball for both Chaldean boys and girls age 11-14 and 15 -18.

The CCSL hold their next tryouts this Sunday, January 13 at 2:30 p.m. at the Slater Gymnasium located at 10 and half and Campbell in Royal Oak, Michigan. Tryouts are open to all Chaldeans between the ages of 11-18. “Chaldeans just need to show-up at the gym. We have coordinators there to get them registered, go over the rules, get forms signed, and get them on the court to show their stuff,” says Brenda Kouza, CCSL administrative assistant.

This article is the first in a seven series discussion on the attributes of a Chaldean apostle. A Chaldean apostle is a vigilant and faithful servant willing to accept in their mind and heart that Jesus is their God and savior. By having such faith the Chaldean apostle’s behavior will naturally change and begin to better reflect the Kingdom of God. Therefore, this series will examine the attributes of behavior that demonstrate the grace of our Lord and our choice to be a follower of Christ.

True Chaldeans understand that God is the only person who can bring people to salvation. Christians who believe this should result in an almost automatic humbling of any person. There are those with egos who claim to be servants of God, but their behavior shows something entirely different.

Vatican City – Hundreds and hundreds of Chaldeans traveled across the world to Rome to witness the appointment of the Chaldean Patriarch to a Vatican Cardinal. Chaldeans across the globe glued to Nour Sat and EWTN to watch the world televised ceremony.

When Pope Benedict XVI placed a red hat on Cardinal Emmanuel-Karim Delly of Baghdad during a Nov. 24 consistory in St. Peter's Basilica, he was honoring not just the patriarch of the Chaldean church, but was elevating the plight of Iraqi Christians to the world's attention.

It is a blessed gift: to receive the strong calling of becoming a priest. The duties that follow, the hardships that may emerge, and the affection that must be kept for each of God’s children are only general areas on which the priest must focus. But there comes a time in the lives of certain priests where they are ordained to a higher standing, calling and importance. They are given the opportunity to do something more with the world, to really help make a difference.

Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly, head of the Chaldean Catholic Church, embarked upon his vocation the day he was born, on October 6, 1927. From there the days passed and as soon as December 21, 1952 came along, he was ordained a Priest. Throughout the ten years that followed, among his already many responsibilities and obligations, in the month of December 1962, he had taken on the titles of Titular and Auxiliary Bishop and confirmed on December 26, 1962 as such, but on April 19, 1963, the devoted follower of Christ really took on his role as Bishop, when ordained at the young age of 35.

The beautiful elevation of his faith and rank continued on when just a short time ago, on December 3, 2003, the day Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly instigated a new chapter in Chaldean history and officially took on the title known by the world as, “Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly: Patriarch of Babylon for Chaldeans.”

Halloween has grown into a major secular holiday in American culture. For some Chaldeans and their children the holiday still remains a bit confusing and for Americans who don’t value devotion to the saints, the Eve has become "hollow" instead of "hallow." The purpose behind it has been lost—like celebrating New Year’s Eve without a New Year’s Day. Take away the saints and our beliefs about the dignity and destiny of human beings, and the only thing left is pre-Christian superstition regarding the dead.

Among many Christians, there has been concern that things have gotten out of hand. After all, doesn’t Halloween glorify evil? Is it right to send our children out as devils and vampires, or is it better to emphasize the saints, whose nearly forgotten feast day is the reason for Halloween?

Hallow is the same word for "holy" that we find in the Lord’s Prayer, and e’en is a contraction of "evening." The word Halloween itself is a shortened form of "All Hallows Eve," the day before All Saints Day. In this Update we’ll consider how Chaldean Catholics can "redeem" Halloween. This holiday, properly understood and celebrated with all of its fun trappings, can be a way for us to deepen our understanding of our faith. The key to this understanding is close at hand for Chaldeans in our love of the communion of saints.

Which is harder, making time for yourself or making time for Christ? As a mom of three boys under 5, the challenge to bring Christ into our souls and family is an interesting one. While we make it church weekly as a family, more than only one hour a week is needed to build the necessary spiritual strength and prepare the family for what lies ahead.

So what do you do? Well, I have started collecting great tips on how the Chaldean family can bring Christ into their lives during their daily routine. Here are some of the tips I have collected thus far.

Blue and white are the colors. Faith, Hope and Love are the sources of energy. Being a “light” is the calling. Providing for the poor and weak is the goal. Praying that the world will truly be a better place is the dream.

On August 27th of the year 1910, a woman of great purity blessed the world with her presence and gifts of genuine and Heaven-given adoration. Born as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje, Macedonia, the lady of passion grew to be a devout follower of God, an endless fountain of giving, a shoulder to the wounded, an open door to the needy, a friend to the forgotten, a Sister to many, a Mother to the world, a symbol of humbleness and fidelity, and a leader to the followers who walked in her footsteps.

Though descriptions have been provided, there are many that could partake in the portrayal of the ever-beautiful Mother Teresa.

Southfield, MICHIGAN - The Chaldean Church Sports League ended their summer season with electrifying excitement. After the playoff games the best church teams in girls’ volleyball and boys flag football faced one another. In the girls’ volleyball division, the Mother of God Guardian Angels played the St. Thomas Twin Tigers. In the boys flag football division the St. Joseph Protectors took on the St. Thomas Twin Tigers.

The championship volleyball game began first. Both Mother of God and St. Thomas entered the sand court with stern determination. Each team brought with them a cheering squad in the hundreds.

California, USA - Wise and thoughtful Chaldean parents continue to harp on their children to honor other people's kindness and generosity. Most children despise having to write thank you notes. Sadly, parents who fail to teach their children how to recognize and acknowledge the good they see in others will eventually have to contend with the consequences of a self-centered, ungrateful, and spoiled child.

Michgian, USA - The southeast Michigan Chaldean Church Sports League prepares for their playoff games this Saturday, July 21, 2007. The Chaldean Eparchy (Diocese) of Eastern United States has narrowed the four top performing church teams in the 18 and under category of girl’s volleyball and boy’s flag football.

In the heart of Southeastern Michigan at the Southfield Municipal Civic and Sports Center hundreds and hundreds of Chaldeans gather to play, pray, and show their support. The Chaldean church teams have been competing weekly for nearly two months. Based on their win-loss record and total game point earnings the top four church teams qualified for the League playoff games.

The CCSL is attracting a high level of talent and producing great competition. The league features some of the best athletes in the Chaldean community as all-American high school athletes lead their respective church to victory on the field and on the sand court.

Michigan, USA - Chaldean agility, strength, speed, and finesse are showcased weekly in Southfield, Michigan. A fifty-yard dash, a sand dive, a spike, ace, dig, and a “Hail Mary” touchdown pass are par for Chaldeans that meet and compete in the 2007 Chaldean Church Sports League.

No helmets. No shoulder pads. No problem. The Chaldean churches newest youth football league requires hardly any of the standard equipment associated with the sport. A pair of shorts and a league-furnished jersey, along with a desire to have fun are about the only things needed to participate in the Chaldean Church Sports flag football league.

Over 100 Chaldeans from southeast Michigan get the opportunity to play each other throughout the day at the Southfield Civic Center. The Chaldean Church Sports League features flag-football field and volleyball for Chaldean youth, eighteen years and younger. The volleyball sand courts and flag football field come alive every Saturday from noon until 3 p.m. with spirited sports competition, prayer, and camaraderie.

California, USA - In the life of every being that walks this planet, there is a purpose that is to be fulfilled before their time here is complete. Whether it be carrying out a career that may change the lives of many, creating a family of his own and protecting them, or just living a life that is alive with faith, hope and love… every mission is unique. It is vital in life to have confidence in understanding that the value of every accomplishment and deed done, be it big or small, is still so very great. For it is in the words of the Blessed Mother Theresa who proclaimed that, “Little things are indeed little, but to be faithful in little things is a great thing.”

Over in The Golden State, better known as California, a great man by the name of Gregory Acho is believed to have found what so many seek: their calling in life. But this calling, this purpose he prays to fulfill successfully, is not for his own pleasure, but is for people in his community that he yearns to reach out to and help by leading them to an improved stage in their life.

Acho, 30, founder of Conscious Contact, Inc., a non-profit sober living organization (rehabilitation clinic) are helping Americans overcome the strenuous process of staying sober. Acho adds that it is not as simple as it sounds, just “staying sober” or fighting an addiction, but that it is “[much] deeper than that. We provide support for each person to look within themselves and make contact, Conscious Contact, with who and what they have always been.”

As we are celebrating the feast of Rabban (Monk) Hormizd, we are reminded of a great saint who spent his life meditating and praying in a monastery in the mountain so as to be close to God. We are also reminded of the importance of the monastic life in our church of the East.

"From deep within a faithful church, a priest tells his loved ones to read a section of the Gospel of Matthew from the Holy Bible and reflect on it, bringing about words and emotions that then form into prayers.

With this reflection, I only hope and pray for it to touch the depths of your heart, because it came from the depths of mine. May it help you to realize who we are... what we are... and what He did.

It is in moments like these that changes take place, that the shape of the person's faith is molded into something new... something better.

With love to each and every one of you...

I wish that this brings you to a new level, makes you grow from someone you once were, to the person that you are meant to be.

Michigan, USA – In the hours before dawn stirs, a “youth” of the world is waking up to say a prayer, only to see that every way he turns, on the cold ground with sleeping bags and blankets, scores of his own peers are wrapped up tightly and are entranced in a dream which has arisen in their minds. And as he quietly turns to face the church and kneel, he allows his fingers to softly intertwine, securing faith, hope and love between the smoothes of his palms. He then gently lifts his head to look upon the rock of his faith, and smiles as his heart says its prayer.

While many Catholic youths across the globe gather for events, prayers, and other such occasions in their towns, for five days every two to three years, the youthful believers of Catholicism make their way to one special spot in the world to unite with the Holy Father and other religious leaders. As Pope John Paul II stated in his letter to Cardinal Eduardo Francisco Pironio on the event of the seminar on World Youth Days organized in Czestochowa, a city in southern Poland, this is done “ to consolidate the ordinary youth ministry by offering new encouragement for commitment, objectives which foster ever greater involvement and participation.”

Michigan, USA - Chaldean Church organizations are planted all across the nation, each establishing goals that would benefit the citizens in their area, with their strength and courage provided by God and the Holy Spirit to achieve success.

As Matthew stated in 25:40, “Amen I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me”, the ADDAI group at Mar Addai Chaldean Catholic Church in Oak Park, MI has set out to do just that. In affirmation with their mission statement, part of which declares, “ADDAI shall pursue this mission faithfully through the power of the Holy Spirit and the gifts and talents of our members”, the organization has willingly committed their time, effort and love in ensuring that ample amounts of good come from the souls who wish to aid those in their surrounding community.

Ankawa, IRAQ – Kirkuk's Chaldean Archbishop Luis Sako shares his optimism and hopeful outlook while in attendance of three new Chaldean deacons in Ankawa, Iraq.

The humble and sacred ceremony took place in the Church of St. Joseph and was celebrated by Bishop Rabban Al-Qas, of Amadiyah and Erbil. Bishop Mikha Pola Maqdassi, of Alquoch, and Archbishop Luis Sako.

Archbishop Sako, shared his joy and prayer for peace in the region. The Archbishop also sadly shared the news of another kidnapping and the degrading welfare of Christians in the region. Ongoing persecution and killings have forced many Christians to leave Iraq. Radical Islamist subscribing to fundamental tenants of Islam continue to pilage Christian towns in the region.

Michigan, USA - With a desire to leave a world with constant haste and alacrity and unite to a life of passive ways and tranquility, one of our very own members of the Chaldean community is answering the call of the Lord to be at His side throughout the years to come.

A new chapter is to begin in the life of teenage Michigan resident, Candice Kassab, who will not turn 18 until the 25th of February. “She’s been having a calling for the past three years and one day she just felt it so deeply and said that it was eating away at her conscious, and just told us that she was going to give in and become a nun. We couldn’t believe it”, commented 21-year-old sister, Jennifer Kassab. However, despite the age, Candice is determined that as she walks this new path, her passionate and dedicated spirit will be accompanied by the strength of the Heavenly Father, His Son and the Holy Mother as well.

Shiite and Sunni imams in Kirkuk went in person to deliver Christmas greetings to the Chaldean archbishop, Mgr Louis Sako, in an atmosphere characterized by “sincere will of dialogue and mutual understanding”.

Washington D.C., USA - Soaring violence against Christians in Iraq – including the alleged crucifixion of a teenage boy in Basra - has prompted the Catholic Church to call for a safe haven to protect minority groups as the country slides toward civil war.

The American Catholic bishops have also asked US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to grant asylum to hundreds of thousands of Iraqi Christians who have fled their homes to escape persecution.

American Catholics are stunned that the Democratic Party would stoop so low as to purposely mislead and manipulate Catholics about their faith and sacred teachings. The fake 'Catholic Voters Guide' Published by Former Aide to John Kerry attempts to recapture the hemorrhaging of Catholic voters rejecting the Democratic Party.

Chaldean Caucus member and former Democrat Wendy Jaberow, who became a Republican because of these sorts of underhanded and deceitful efforts, feels the Fake Catholic Voters Guide is another example of the shameful values the Democrats have embraced. “They believe that ‘any means necessary’ is justifiable for them to gain power. They have sold their souls to the devil.”

Sydney, Australia - Australian and New Zealand Chaldeans will have their own Oceania eparchy or diocese and bishop, the Holy See announced on Saturday.

The President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Philip Wilson, welcomed the creation by Pope Benedict XVI of the Chaldean Eparchy of Oceania with the title of "St Thomas the Apostle of Sydney of the Chaldeans".

Michigan, USA - Students, family members, teachers, employees, and alumni of Marian high school are outraged. The all-girl private Catholic high school has come under attack by homosexual activists. “The gay people, TV, and newspapers want us to do something wrong and we will not. They talk too much about sex these people. This is sick of them. That is why I don’t want any of my children, nephews, nieces, or anyone I know to go to public school. They want you to believe that the way you behave is okay if you can make others say it is okay,” says Enam Bahoura, a Chaldean parent.

The nationally-acclaimed Catholic high school with a large enrollment of Chaldeans finds themselves under target of the local papers for teaching their religious convictions. Both the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, owned by Gannett News ran what many in southeast Michigan feel are biased articles to promote the homosexual agenda.

Baghdad, Iraq - In an exclusive interview the Patriarch of the Chaldean Church, Emmanuel III Delly called Iraqis to be tolerant and full of love as he considered that the main reason behind youth emigration is the dramatic security situation. Delly underlined his rejection to any foreign interference in Iraqi internal affairs.

He invited the government to improve the citizens’ situation as he pleaded all clerics taking part in Mecca conference to spread the message of love in their parishes. Patriarch Delly was paying a visit to his parish in Lebanon after a brief stay in Vatican where he met Pope Benedict XVI.

Mosul, Iraq – There were two new attacks against the parish of the Holy Spirit in Mosul in as many days. A convent of Dominican Sisters has also been struck. These are the most blatant signs of a campaign that aims to throw Christians out of Iraq. Then there is the problem of emigration, a problem afflicting also Shiites and Sunnis.

The Chaldean church of the Holy Spirit in Mosul appears to have become the target of a terror campaign. After attacks that took place at the end of September, a group of men opened fire on the place of worship on 4 and 5 October, injuring one of the guards who is currently in hospital.

The violence and continual attack on Christians have been ongoing. The parish of the Holy Spirit has been attacked since August 2004. As many Iraqi church figures have already claimed, the attacks are part of a twofold strategy.

Castelgandolofo, Italy - Pope Benedict said on Sunday he hoped Iraq's Christian minority could continue to live in peace with the Muslim majority in a country where people of both religions faced tragedy on a daily basis.

The Pontiff, who has been trying to patch up relations with Muslims after a controversial speech last month, said Iraq had traditionally been a place of harmony between Muslims and Christians.

Benedict said the leader of Iraq's Chaldean Catholic Church visited him on Friday and told him of the "tragic reality faced every day by the dear population of Iraq where Christians and Muslims have lived together for 14 centuries as children of the same land.

Mosul, Iraq – Attackers launch rockets against the Chaldean Church of the Holy Spirit. No one is injured. The group that targeted the church is likely the same that fired shots at the building last Sunday.

Once again the Catholic Chaldean Church of the Holy Spirit is the target. This morning a group of men fired rockets against the building, whilst an explosive devise was detonated outside a usually unused entrance door, this according to local sources who also told AsiaNews that no one was killed or hurt in the incident. They also suggested that the attackers might be the same people who on Sunday fired some 80 shots against the church breaking some windows and causing minor damage.

For months, tensions have been rising in Mosul, a Sunni stronghold. Some people have suggested that the anti-Christian attacks are linked to the controversy caused by the Pope’s speech in Regensburg (Germany). In fact, some flyers making anti-Christian threats were distributed around town last Friday, calling on Christians to condemn the Pope’s remarks or be killed and see their churches burnt down.

Baghadad, Iraq -- A Chaldean and Assyrian churche is attacked in Mosul and Baghdad by Muslim militias. The fanatics have forced Christians to pin up posters condemning the words of Benedict XVI in Regensburg. But religious leaders, including al Sistani, have expressed their friendship with the Apostolic Nunciature. And the representative of the Iraqi Shiite leader would like to meet the pope.

The start of the month of Ramadan in Iraq was marked by violence but also by significant openness by al Sistani towards the Vatican. Yesterday, two churches, one in Baghdad and another in Mosul, were struck. Recently, the country has seen an escalation of attacks against Christians, thought by some to be the reaction of radical Muslims to the speech of the pope in Regensburg. However, religious leaders, among them al Sistani, have shown solidarity and understanding towards the Vatican. Moreover, the representative of the highest religious exponent of Iraqi Shiites has expressed the desire to be able to visit the Pope.

Renown professor, lawyer, and author Gabriel Sawma who specializes in international law, mainly the European Union Law, the Middle East and Islamic Shari’a Laws offers insight in the current affairs of Muslims outraged over the Popes Comments.

Professor of Aramaic and a recognized authority on Islam. Sawma is the author of a book titled, “The Qur’an: Misinterpreted, Mistranslated, and Misread. The Aramaic Language of the Qur’an”, available on amazon.com. He has also authored many articles on the Aramaic influence in Biblical Hebrew and in the Quran. Sawma speaks, reads, and writes Aramaic, Arabic, and Hebrew.

In a meeting with representatives of science in Germany on September 12, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI quoted a short segment of a dialog between Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Paleologus and an educated Persian.

As a result, segments of Muslim community around the world demonstrated and demanded an apology from the pontiff. They argue that Islam did not use the sword to convert people. They also stated that Islam is a “peaceful religion”. Some demanded that the pope be executed.

This article gives background about the Islamic conquest of the Middle East and parts of Europe.

Michigan, USA -- "Poor uneducated Muslims are led blindly into ongoing violence and outrage is coached by irresponsible leaders," says Bashar Sitto. “Moderate and modern Muslims seem to have lost control to the radical fundamentalists who have hijacked Islam.”

For the oppressed minority Christians in the Muslim dominated governments, like the Chaldeans of Iraq, fear runs high as they remain vulnerable to potential acts of violence of fanatical Muslims stirred to act with hatred.

Supported by irresponsible media bent on sensationalizing the news and highlighting a Muslim-Christian divide even where one does not exist, only contribute to the grave state of sectarian relations in Iraq today.

The world remains stunned at the easy manipulation and hypersensitivity of Muslims, who refuse to accept the Pope’s academic discussion and focus on a quote taken out of context. Iraqi religious scholar Abdel Hussam Hussain feels the Islamic governments are at risk as more fanatical elements gain control of interpreting Islam. Hussain feels the threat of an eventual overthrow of current Islamic are in grave danger.

Tbilisi, Gerogia – The Assyro-Chaldean community will be attending the Synod of Catholic Caucasus in Tbilisi, Georgia. The Synod will gather all the priests, representatives of religious communities and 56 lay people from parish communities (84 people in all) for two residential sessions: the first session runs from September 4 to 8 and the second from November 5 to 9.

Communion of the Church, formation of the faithful and the role of the laity are the main themes of the first Synod of the Apostolic Administration of the Caucasus. The first session of deliberations were inaugurated at 5pm with a solemn celebration in St. Mary’s Assumption church in Tbilisi.

Chaldean clergy and lay leaders will actively participate in addressing issues relating to the Diaspora of the Chaldean people. Inherent in their struggles, the Assyro-Chaldeans face difficulty ministering to the community while under pressure of war, persecution, forced cultural migration, and adaptation to cultural pressures and customs imposed by hosting countries.

Msgr. Zouhair Toma (Kejbou) was born in Telkaif, Iraq in 1947. He was ordained a priest in Baghdad, Iraq in 1968, and accepted his first assignment to serve the community of Baquba. The Monsignor’s leadership skills and organizational talents along with his mastery of theology were immediately evident. He later assisted Sts. Peter and Paul in Al-Salehia, and St. George in New Baghdad.

In August, 1978 Monsignor Toma was called to serve the growing community of persecuted Chaldeans finding refuge in Australia. Being the fist Chaldean priest to arrive in Australia he quickly established a parish for the Chaldeans in Sydney to serve their social and spiritual needs. The parish was named after St. Thomas the Apostle and built a rectory.

In 1989, for his incredible work he was granted the title of Monsignor, Chaldean Patriarchal Vicar for Australia and New Zealand. Continuing his passionate work to serve the Chaldean community the Monsignor moved the Parish Center to a more accessible location and built a large church campus featuring a modern community center, residence quarters, and administrative offices in 1995.

In 2003, Monsignor Toma added a magnificent church to replace the previous one in order to serve the fast growing community and also opened two other centers. The first was Our Lady Guardian of Plants in Melbourne, and the second was Mar Addai the Apostle in Auckland, New Zealand. Mar Addai in New Zealand included two very large churches along with rectories and community centers. Overseeing the Patriarchal Vicariate for 28 years, he managed to inspire six more priests to help minister to the fast growing Chaldean community.

In August 2006, Monsignor chose to assist the St. Thomas the Apostle Diocese in the U.S. as more Catholic churches were being built in America and address the growing need. On October 2006, Monsignor was incardinated and appointed Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Troy.